Joint Statement on the reckless remarks of the Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar
The Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Iza Fadri, made statements on 6 July 2020 in RMOLACEH[1] online news site about the recent arrivals of Rohingya people to Aceh.
In his statement the Ambassador failed to mention the root causes of the Rohingya people’s flights to countries in the region, including Indonesia. The Ambassador perpetuated the fairy tale espoused by the genocidal junta in Myanmar. Specifically, the Ambassador mentioned that the Rohingya did not come from Arakan/Rakhine State (Myanmar) but from Bangladesh refugee camps, and that they are British time settlers as most of them could not speak Myanmar language.
Announcement of Clearance Operation by Tatmadaw in Rathaedaung Township Defies ICJ Ruling
Yangon/London -- Burma Human Rights Network is alarmed by new escalations from the Burmese army in Rakhine State which will put countless lives in danger and defy orders from the International Court of Justice. The Rakhine State's Ministry of Security and Border Affairs issued a directive on 24 June, stating that the Tatmadaw will conduct clearance operations against Arakan Army in Kyauktan administrative circle, Rathaeduang Township.
“The announcement of new clearance operations, along with reports of fresh skirmishes, is extremely concerning. Burma is putting countless Rakhine and Rohingya civilian lives at risk needlessly and in defiance of the ICJ’s provisional measures to prevent further harm to the Rohingya. These attacks are also being done despite calls from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to halt conflict as nations struggle to address Covid- 19 and ensure the health of their citizens,” said BHRN Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
BHRN Urges Burmese Government to Enact a Law to Stop Hate Crimes Against Muslims
Yangon/London – Burma Human Rights Network calls on the Burmese Government to enact a law specifically regarding hate crimes, increasing prison sentences for violent crimes accompanied with bigotted language or intent, after a Muslim youth was brutally murdered by a Buddhist monk, who is also an ex-soldier. On 18 June, 16-year-old Ko Ko Zaw was stabbed to death by U Nanda Biwuntha, who is also known by his layperson name, Tun Naing Win. Tun Naing Win is 42 years old and is from Aung Myay Gone Village monastery.
“Currently Burma has no law regarding hate crimes even as anti-Muslim violence has plagued the country for years. It is an important measure to offer some protection or avenue for justice to minorities who come under attack because of their religion or ethnicity. With elections only months away, civil society organizations in Burma must take the lead to denounce these horrible crimes and push for legislation to address them at a time when Muslims will be most vulnerable to violence and scapegoating,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
Burma - Lift The World Longest Internet Ban In Rakhine and Chin State
Yangon/London -- Burma Human Rights Network calls upon the Burmese government to lift restrictions on phone and internet coverage that have been in place in northern Rakhine State and parts of Chin State for the past year, beginning on 21 June 2019. The restrictions were put in place by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which is under control of Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party, as fighting between the Burmese Army and the insurgent group Arakan Army intensified in the region.
“The restrictions on internet and telephone service in Rakhine and Chin by Aung San Kyi’s NLD Party have significantly harmed the civilian population. By blocking internet and phone usage in these areas, Burma has prevented reports from civilians on human rights violations in the conflict and the medical and aid needs of those impacted by the conflict. There is no apparent need for the internet ban for the Burmese Army except to inflict suffering on civilians and cover up their crimes,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
Conflict Deprives Civilians of Food and Aid in Chin and Rakhine State
London, UK -- The Burma Human Rights Network is concerned about continuing reports of rising prices and food shortages in areas affected by the conflict in Rakhine and Chin State. Fighting between the Burmese Military and the Arakan Army has disrupted local economies, displaced civilians, and cut off supply lines and NGOs from accessing those most in need. These reports are occurring as new cases of Covid-19 are reported in Rakhine State and at least one case was previously reported in Chin State.
“The conflict in Rakhine and Chin State continues to harm the civilians most, while no end is in sight to the fighting. NGOs must be given full access to these areas to ensure that civilians can have their basic needs met. The Burmese Army and the Arakan Army must ensure that transportation of goods can continue without risk and that supply lines remain open for the civilian population,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
